News Story of the Day
Crookston Diocese Settles With Alleged Victim
By: Scott Theisen
A woman who says she was sexually abused by a former priest in northern Minnesota when she was 14 has reached a $750,000 settlement that requires the Diocese of Crookston to warn parishioners about the abuse and take steps to protect kids in the future.
The Taoiseach got it right but the Vatican gets it wrong once again
By Fergus Finlay
THE gimlet eye of a canon lawyer. Read the "Response of the Holy See to the Government of Ireland" — the Vatican’s response to the criticism levelled at them by Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore — and that’s all you’ll see.
What Lynn told grand jury on abuse
Msgr. William J. Lynn was dismissive when a Northeast Philadelphia man reported that a priest had repeatedly raped him as a teenager, attacks that took place on the priest's farm, in a church rectory, and on a trip to Walt Disney World.
Professor alleges order tried to discredit journalist
MEMBERS of the Salesian religious order, under fire for its handling of sexual abuse complaints, tried to discredit a journalist by falsely claiming he had spent time in jail for child sex offences, according to Sydney University law professor Patrick Parkinson.
Professor says church suppressed child abuse report
A LEADING child protection expert has urged the Victorian government to hold a public inquiry into the handling of child-sex cases by a Catholic religious order after the Catholic Church suppressed a report it asked him to write.
Minor allegedly raped by priest in Agusan Norte now in Gabriela custody
A 17-year old girl who was reportedly raped by a parish priest in Agusan del Norte is now under the care of women's rights organization Gabriela, an officer of the group said Friday.
Case against priest Shawn Ratigan gets grand jury scrutiny
By MARK MORRIS and JUDY L. THOMAS
The Kansas City Star
A local grand jury is poised to explore the case of a Roman Catholic priest who already is facing child pornography charges in state and federal courts, The Star has learned.
Grand jurors in Jackson County soon will hear evidence related to the Rev. Shawn Ratigan case, independent sources have told the newspaper.
Victims: shameless bishop is guilt-tripping Catholics
Bishop Boyce’s shameless comments are a carefully calculated, pre-emptive strike by a bishop who is disingenuously posturing as a victim.
Five clergy sex cases settled in NJ, SNAP responds
We applaud these brave men who found the strength to report abuse and the wisdom to take legal action. We hope this resolution brings them some long-overdue and sorely needed healing.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director